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2017 — a year of change

We're twenty days into 2017 and I can't believe how much change has happened in my life. I've started a new relationship. I've had a young rabbit turn up, which I looked after for a couple of weeks before finding another home for him. My boarder has moved out after four years, so I have my house to myself again, and I've created a whole new "chill-out" space with the extra room.

My new cosy nook — a work in progress

The most noticeable change, though, is how I feel. I feel lighter, happier, less stressed. I feel less troubled by the state of the world (Trump, climate change, inequality, etc.). The latter is greatly influenced by the fact that I've not paid much attention to the media for about six weeks.

And I've made a few of decisions about how I'm going to operate differently in the world this year — not resolutions as such but changes based on an awareness of things that haven't worked for me in the past.

Firstly, I'm going to be more intentional about what I say "yes" to. I will only do things if there is no doubt that I want to do them. If there is any hesitation, I'm going to say "no", or negotiate what I do so no doubt remains.

This first decision is linked to the second — to be kinder or more generous to myself. I've pushed myself pretty hard over my life and, this year I'm going to stop doing that. I think I deserve to have things a little easier, to ask more for support and create a life for myself that is void of struggle.

My third decision is not to let the troubles of the world affect me so personally. The work I do means I need to know what's going on, but I need to stop letting the negativity impact on my mood. While I will never be able to ignore the injustice, stupidity and intolerance of the current global and local social climate, I want to let these things go around me this year, rather than through me.

My work involves creating a new awareness of diversity, complexity, uncertainty and leadership in fun, creative, non-threatening ways. I do what I do to create a society where all people freely share and celebrate their identity and self-expression.

In order to do my work well, I need to ensure that my identity and self-expression are worth celebrating — to ensure I am modelling what I want others to be able to do. I've lost my way a bit in the last few years. This is the year for me to change.

You are welcome to share this post freely and without permission. Acknowledgement and a link back to this site would be appreciated. And please leave a comment if you wish – I'd be interested to know where I've ended up.